Diane Axmann and Shezafrenchdaisy Clinch Kansas Sunflower Futurity Win

Diane Axmann showed up to win at the Kansas Sunflower Futurity in Dodge City, Kansas, aboard homebred, -raised and -trained mare Shezafrenchdaisy. “Daisy,” who is by RNJ Heckofafrenchman and out of Axmann’s good rodeo mare, Jet Line Jackie, has only been running barrels since May. Axmann says that hasn’t slowed the tough-as-nails mare down at all — in fact, sometimes she wishes Daisy would get on board with going just a little slower.

“Daisy was born to run barrels — there’s no doubt about it. From day one, she just took to it naturally. I’ve had to hold her back, and I’m still not letting her fully run to the first barrel the way she thinks she should go,” Axmann said with a laugh.

Axmann, who confesses she has always been more involved in rodeos than futurities, says she’s more concerned with building consistency than with rushing to break any land speed records.

“When I go to the futurities, I spend a lot of time watching the top futurity riders,” Axmann explained. “They may not always win the round, but the ones who are making consistent runs — especially on colts — are having a lot of success.”

Axmann says establishing that consistency on a strong horse like Daisy is especially important.

“I know for many colts, a lot of the training is about building confidence, but that’s not the case with Daisy — she knows her job, and she’s going to do it with or without me,” Axmann laughed. “For her, it’s about making this a team sport where my input matters too. It has to be controlled. That’s how I’ve had to approach things with her to make it successful.”

With that team approach in mind, Axmann says she resisted the urge to send Daisy in full tilt in Round 1 of the Futurity, opting instead to capitalize on an opportunity to build consistency.

“As much as you want to get ahead of yourself, you have to take those little steps,” Axmann said. “I did let her go a little faster in Round 2, but I still didn’t push her — I just focused on making it smooth and controlled. As barrel racers, I think it’s easy to look at the should-haves, but if you can control the mental part of the game and focus on smooth consistency, that makes a big difference.”

Axmann says she’s not yet sure what Daisy’s future will hold — whether she will run in divisional races or transition to the rodeo road remains undecided. But Axmann says she is excited to be on the journey as it all unfolds.

“This mare is quick, fast and strong,” Axmann shared. “She’s very well built, and I think she will hold up for me for a long time. Having Daisy born and raised on my property makes it extra special, and I’m excited to watch her excel.”